In this powerful episode of the Going Big Podcast, Tim Kersten sits down with host Kevin Gentry for a candid, wisdom-filled conversation about leadership, legacy, and the lifelong pursuit of excellence. With more than 40 years of experience in nonprofit fundraising and marketing, Tim brings a rare combination of creative brilliance and deep humility to his role as Chairman and CEO of RKD Group—America’s largest direct response fundraising agency.

From helping iconic institutions like the Salvation Army and the Smithsonian raise hundreds of millions of dollars to crafting messages that have moved hearts and sparked action, Tim has spent his career proving that the right words, delivered at the right moment, can change the world.

But Going Big, as Tim shares, isn’t just about scale. It’s about courageous leadership, the power of storytelling, and staying rooted in purpose. He reflects on the mentors who shaped him, the importance of surrounding yourself with people smarter than you, and why real leaders must be both fearless and humble.

This episode is a masterclass in building something that lasts—whether you’re leading a team, launching a cause, or simply trying to make your work more meaningful. If you’ve ever wondered how to move people, inspire trust, or lead with bold conviction, Tim’s story is one you won’t forget.

What would you do if you weren’t afraid to fail? For Emily Seidel, that question reshaped everything—from her earliest doubts about leading a national grassroots movement to becoming the CEO of Americans for Prosperity, one of the most influential citizen-powered organizations in the country.

In this episode of Going Big, Emily shares the deeply personal journey that brought her from answering phones on Capitol Hill to leading a team of 500 and mobilizing people across all 50 states. With vulnerability, wisdom, and resolve, she reflects on the power of saying yes to the uncomfortable, stepping into challenges without knowing all the answers, and trusting in a mission bigger than herself.

Her story is a powerful reminder that real leadership isn’t about having all the credentials or a perfect plan—it’s about showing up, being willing to grow, and surrounding yourself with people who believe in the cause. Along the way, Emily unpacks the urgency behind protecting tax reform, the quiet strength of citizen advocacy, and how real change happens not from Washington headlines—but from the voices of everyday Americans who dare to believe they can make a difference.

If you’ve ever felt the tug between playing it safe and stepping into something greater, this conversation is for you. It’s about conviction. It’s about courage. And it’s about what happens when you stop letting fear define your future—and start choosing to Go Big.

Going Big isn’t just a mindset—it’s a framework for transformation, innovation, and lasting impact. In this episode of Going Big!, host Kevin Gentry welcomes Jimmy Hutcheson, the visionary CEO of SPIN and Next Management Partners, who has mastered the art of taking legacy brands and scaling them into digital powerhouses.

Jimmy’s journey from a small-town upbringing in Springfield, Missouri, to leading some of the most recognizable names in media is proof that success favors those willing to step into the unknown. From early days hustling in the music industry to securing game-changing internships with MTV and KISS, he learned that saying yes to opportunity is the first step to going big.

When he acquired SPIN, Jimmy didn’t just buy a brand—he reimagined it. In just a few years, he 17x’ed its revenue, 20x’ed its social reach, and launched new ventures like SPIN TV and SPIN Records. But his story goes beyond business. As an advocate for using influence for good, he’s worked with The Phoenix to connect artists and audiences in the fight against addiction, proving that going big is about more than profits—it’s about purpose.

If you’re looking for the blueprint to scale your own ambitions, this conversation is packed with powerful lessons on leadership, digital strategy, and the courage to make bold moves. Whether you're a founder, a creator, or someone ready to break through to the next level, Jimmy Hutcheson’s story will challenge you to think bigger, move faster, and never settle.

🎧 Tune in now and learn how to take your vision from idea to industry powerhouse—The Going Big way. 🚀

What does it mean to Go Big when the stakes are life and death? Patrick Henry didn’t just give a speech—he ignited a revolution. On March 23, 1775, in a small church in Richmond, Virginia, his legendary words—“Give me liberty or give me death”—transformed hesitation into action and set the course for American independence.

In this episode, Kevin Gentry sits down with Stephen Wilson, Executive Director of the St. John’s Church Foundation, to explore how bold decisions, fearless leadership, and unwavering conviction changed history—and why those same principles apply today.

Whether you're leading a movement, running a business, or making a tough decision, Go Big, succeed big, or fail big—but never play small.

What does it take to truly Go Big in life and business? Will Guidara, world-renowned restaurateur and bestselling author of Unreasonable Hospitality, joins host Kevin Gentry to share how relentless pursuit, bold thinking, and investing in people can transform not just an industry—but the way we live and lead.

From making Eleven Madison Park the #1 restaurant in the world to inspiring some of the most popular episodes of the hit series, "The Bear.", Will reveals the power of dreaming audaciously, embracing mentorship, and creating unforgettable moments that leave a lasting impact. He unpacks the Rule of 95/5, the art of gamifying success, and why true leadership is about inspiring others to pursue excellence.

This episode is a masterclass in thinking big, acting boldly, and leading with heart. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, leader, or changemaker, this conversation will challenge you to rethink what’s possible—and then go make it happen.

Going Big isn’t just about taking risks—it’s about turning your passion into something that impacts others. In this episode of the Going Big! Podcast, host Kevin Gentry sits down with Neal Wavra, a hospitality visionary who took a bold leap to create something extraordinary.

From growing up in Chicago, where family meals were the heartbeat of connection, to working in world-class restaurants like Charlie Trotter’s and Blackberry Farm, Neal always believed that food was more than just sustenance—it was an experience. That belief led him and his wife to open Field & Main, a restaurant dedicated to farm-to-table excellence and fostering community through hospitality.

When COVID threatened the restaurant industry, Neal didn’t retreat—he went bigger, finding new ways to serve guests and sustain his team. Now, he’s shaping the future of Virginia’s wine industry and expanding his impact through Fable Hospitality Group.

This conversation is all about taking risks, following your passion, and going big—in business, in service, and in life.

What does it truly mean to Go Big? For artist Polly Gentry, it meant taking a personal moment of grief and transforming it into a mission of honor, remembrance, and action. After witnessing the heartbreaking events of the 2021 Afghanistan troop withdrawal, Polly was moved to create a one-of-a-kind tribute—her Flags of Honor series, with each piece dedicated to one of the 13 fallen service members.

But Polly didn’t stop at expression—she took her impact even further. Determined to make a tangible difference, she auctioned her art to support military families through the Folds of Honor Foundation, proving that creativity, when paired with purpose, has the power to change lives.

On this episode of the Going Big! Podcast, host Kevin Gentry sits down with Polly to explore how she discovered her artistic gift later in life, the moment she realized her work could serve a greater cause, and why taking bold action with your talents can ignite change beyond what you ever imagined. This conversation is a reminder that Going Big isn’t just about ambition—it’s about using your unique gifts to leave a lasting impact.

On this episode of the Going Big! Podcast, host Kevin Gentry sits down with former U.S. Senator Phil Gramm, a leader whose career has been defined by taking bold risks and reshaping America’s economic policies.

From his early days as an economics professor to becoming a key architect of the Reagan Revolution, Gramm shares his journey of challenging the status quo, fighting for lower taxes, and making tough decisions that changed the course of history. He opens up about his daring decision to resign from Congress, switch parties, and run again, proving that true leadership means standing firm on principles—even when the odds are against you.

This conversation is a masterclass in resilience, bold decision-making, and what it truly means to go big. Whether you're an entrepreneur, leader, or changemaker, Phil Gramm’s insights will inspire you to take action and make a lasting impact.

Dr. DeForest “Buster” Soaries has spent his life Going Big—whether as a civil rights leader, mega-church pastor, financial educator, or faith-driven entrepreneur. In this episode of the Going Big Podcast, host Kevin Gentry sits down with Dr. Soaries to explore his journey from community activism to leading a financial revolution through the dfree®️ Movement, empowering thousands to achieve true financial freedom.

From breaking free of debt to building lasting wealth, Dr. Soaries shares his game-changing approach to financial empowerment and how personal responsibility and faith intersect with social justice. He reveals the lessons that shaped him, the mentors who guided him, and how believing in yourself is the first step to Going Big in any area of life.

If you're ready to take control of your finances, think bigger, and make a lasting impact, this episode will inspire and equip you to take bold action. Don’t miss it!

On this episode of the Going Big! Podcast, host Kevin Gentry sits down with Billo & Pinto Naravane, founders of Rasa Vineyards in Walla Walla, Washington. Their story is one of passion, precision, and perseverance—leaving behind successful careers in tech to pursue their dream of creating world-class wines.

They share how their scientific backgrounds shaped their approach to winemaking, the risks they took to break into the industry, and how they’re redefining Washington wine with their ultra-premium, terroir-driven vintages. From lessons in entrepreneurship to insights on crafting transformational wines, this conversation is packed with inspiration for anyone looking to turn their passion into a bold new venture.

Tune in to hear their incredible journey and learn what it truly means to go big! 🍷✨